The Argonauts running back had zero carries in the first pre-season game against Montreal last week but didn't lose any sleep over it.

Part of the reason -- the Argos had just four rushes from their running backs -- was the large number of times the Argos went the play-action route, passing when the Als defence set up to stop the run.

"I blocked guys and the quarterback did not get sacked, so I did my job," Ebell said. "Hopefully we will call more run plays instead of going off the read (in the Argos' second and final pre-season game tomorrow night in Hamilton)."

Ebell, who has recovered fully from a ruptured Achilles tendon, an injury he suffered last year in camp, wants to be the go-to guy for Toronto. It ruffled his feathers a bit when coach Bart Andrus last week said Jamal Robertson would be the No. 1 running back, but Ebell could see the logic in Andrus' thinking.

"Of course (it bothered me)," Ebell said. "But he has not been able to see what I can do in a game, and he knows what Jamal can do. Jamal is a great back. I have to be patient until my number is called."

Andrus said yesterday he wants to see Ebell with the ball tucked under his arm.

Filling in

Jason Pottinger has been taking reps at middle linebacker with Zeke Moreno injured but does not think it will be for long.

"I'm pretty confident he will get better quickly, but I am ready for anything," Pottinger said.

Briefly

Approximately 69 players remain in camp, with the 46-man roster (not including injured players and those on the practice roster) to be determined by Thursday at 3 p.m.